Frankenstein Materialism Theory

A philosophical framework that rejects monolithic, reductionist materialism (e.g., everything is physics). Instead, it posits that matter itself is assembled from multiple, ontologically distinct layers—quantum fields, chemical structures, biological processes, social relations—each with its own causal powers, and these layers interact in non-reductive ways. The “Frankenstein” metaphor highlights that reality is stitched together from incompatible ontologies (e.g., particles and persons) that nonetheless coexist and co-evolve. This theory aligns with emergentism, critical realism, and dialectical materialism, but emphasizes the patched, contingent nature of material reality. It resists the idea that physics provides the “real” description and other sciences merely instrumental.

Example: “Frankenstein Materialism Theory explains how a dollar bill has physical properties (paper, ink), biological properties (cellulose), economic properties (value), and social properties (promise)—all real, all material, all stitched together.”

Frankenstein Materialism Theory by Dumu The Void May 26, 2026